[ad_1]

Cycling has always been a large part of my life, whether I was ditching stabilizers for the first time at age four, or competing in my first hill climb when I was 15. Being British, I used to believe that I was tough enough for all weathers – that was until I started training and racing extensively in the mountains, namely the Belgian Ardennes, the Basque country and the Alps.

Here, at elevation, I realised for the first time just how brutal the conditions can be. Fast-changing weather, high altitudes and extreme rainfall can catch even the most experienced riders out – something I rediscovered just a few weeks ago at the Maratona dles Dolomites.

The history of the Maratona dles Dolomites

The Maratona is one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging cycling events, held annually in the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy. Established in 1987, this Granfondo has grown into an iconic race that attracts over 9,000 participants from around the globe each year, with demand far exceeding the number of available spots, making entry highly competitive.

The event features a stunning yet gruelling course that winds through some of the most picturesque and demanding mountain passes in the Alps, including the Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, and Passo Giau. Riders can choose from three routes of varying lengths: the Maratona course (138 km), the Medio course (106 km), which I ended up completing, and the Sellaronda course (55 km). Each route offers its own set of challenges, with steep climbs, hairpin turns, and breathtaking descents.

Beyond its physical demands, the Maratona dles Dolomites is celebrated for its exceptional organization and the warm, vibrant atmosphere it fosters. It’s not just a race but a cultural event, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Ladin-speaking region. The Maratona brings together cycling enthusiasts who revel in the beauty of the Dolomites and the camaraderie of the global cycling community.

Challenging, well-organized, and full of buzz, I can only recommend the Maratona.

Our trip began the day before the main event, in the sun, with a couple of leisurely rides around the Maratona’s shortest route, taking in the views of the Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi. We were also accompanied by Kask athlete Safa Brian. For the uninformed, Safa Brian is a cycling messenger turned filmmaker who knows a thing or two about going around corners. The South African showed us all some lines on the first few corners of each descent before disappearing far into the distance – a pleasure to watch.

The first 70km were fairly forgiving. Although littered with low hanging cloud and drizzling rain, the initial three climbs were hard enough that I was able to stay warm, and the descents short enough for me to avoid getting too cold. On the long valley road in the middle of the event though, this changed. The dark sky quickly unleashed almost biblical rainfall, which was enough to see me quickly don all the layers I had in a number of minutes.

Next come the outer layers. A rain jacket, of course, is a must-bring item for the mountains, because it can double as rain protection and a descent layer, keeping the rain and wind off you as you hurtle back down. Because you’ll most likely be forever changing in and out of the jacket, I suggest you opt for a packable rain jacket. This way, you’ll be able to save as much pocket real estate as possible for food, and other items.

[ad_2]

Source link

Don’t make the same mistake I did riding in the mountains – how to pack for altitude

Privacy Policy

Related posts

‘Decline in cycling’ cited as Halfords profits fall

My Experience Racing the 2024 UCI Esports World Championships

The real reason TV interviews start with ‘talk us through it’, and not, ‘what a result!’

Farce as Rider Hit by Ambulance, Taken to Hospital, Then Billed

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are more common than you think – here’s how to battle the blues

Cavendish Retires with ‘Win’ at Singapore Criterium